Empowering Rohingya Children on Global Handwashing Day

In the heart of Cox’s Bazar, where the refugee camps stretch endlessly, a quiet transformation is unfolding. It’s not one of grand gestures, but of small, determined acts by children. In a place where the future often feels uncertain, these children are learning to protect themselves with one of the most powerful tools they have—clean hands. Eleven-year-old Sadia, with quiet confidence, leads younger children in what has become a daily ritual.

“In the session with World Vision, we learn about handwashing and other personal hygiene practices with laughter and play. These essential practices help us to prevent diseases and stay healthy,” said Sadia.

Together, they sit on a tarp, learning the importance of washing their hands. Her voice is steady as she guides them, her hands moving in rhythm, showing them how this simple act can keep them safe.

Outside, at a handwashing station, children gather, scrubbing their hands with soap provided by World Vision Bangladesh. The water, clean and fresh, flows over their small fingers—a quiet resistance against the diseases that threaten them. For many, this is a new practice, but for all, it is essential.

“We not only learn the practices ourselves, but also teach our friends, younger brothers, and sisters at home to practice these things. I have shared it with my mother as well since she is the one who cooks food for us, and maintaining hygiene is the most important for her,” Sadia shared how she has become an advocate for her family as well as the community.

World Vision Bangladesh has trained 580 Rohingya children as resource persons, empowering them to instill the life-saving habit of handwashing within the camps. In just the last 12 months, nearly 18,000 children have been trained in this essential practice. Let us remember that these children, in the midst of hardship, are leading the way—proving that even the smallest acts can spark change.